USA Today Examines Access, Cost Issues For Lipitor After Generic Zocor Launch

Main Category: Cholesterol
Also Included In: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 12 Jul 2006 - 23:00 PDT

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USA Today on Monday examined how some U.S. residents have begun to find that the anti-cholesterol medication Lipitor, manufactured by Pfizer, is "harder and more expensive to get" as employers encourage use of generic medications to reduce prescription drug costs. In June, generic versions of Zocor, a rival medication manufactured by Merck, entered the market, and a number of employers, such as General Motors, have begun to encourage employees to switch from Lipitor to generic Zocor. According to Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, about 60% of U.S. residents who take brand-name, anti-cholesterol medications could safely switch to generic Zocor, a move that could save $7 billion to $11 billion annually in prescription drug costs. In response to the efforts by employers, Pfizer has launched new Lipitor advertisements and free trial offers of the medication. According to Pfizer, studies indicate that Lipitor is more effective than Zocor at reducing cholesterol levels and risk for heart and stroke (Schmit, USA Today, 7/10).

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